self-publishing bibliography

Serious students of self-publishing should attempt to gather as much information on the subject as possible prior to embarking on their unique venture. Here follows a short list of the most essential volumes as prescribed by Mr. Millidge.

Cerebus Guide to Self-Publishing by Dave Sim (Aardvark-Vanaheim) Nov 1997 [ISSN 0712-7774] $3.95 A little long in the tooth, but still the Bible for self-publishers, collecting all the pertinent essays and speech transcriptions from Dave's long-running self-published title Cerebus. Some info is now outmoded and Dave's views are very forthright but this is highly recommended reading - absolutely essential for any prospective creator, self-publisher or not. 96 densely packed pages of invaluable advice and guidance covering virtually every aspect of starting your own comic. This may be out-of-print but well worth tracking down.

Re - A Guide to Reproduction by Ron Rege Jr., David Choe, Brian Ralph and Jordan Crane (Highwater Books/Red Ink) 2002 A downloadable PDF format 22 page guide to reprographics in relation to self-published comics and mini-comics. Covers everything from photocopying, silkscreening to full-blown offset printing, with lots of tips and specific information. Available to download for free at www.beat.com/jordan although you will also need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader if you don't already have it.

Creating Comics Website A highly informative website put together by David A. Law, packed with resources and links, including a huge section on self-publishing. Point your browser to: http://www.members.shaw.ca/creatingcomics/index.htm

Write and Publish Your Own Book A useful-looking website for general self-publishing information. Publishers of a variety of 'online magazines' covering assorted aspects of self-publishing. Worth checking out. http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com/

The Staros Report 1997 by Chris Staros (StarHouse) May 1997 $4.95 As you may have gleaned from its title, this magazine is getting rather outdated, but in the absence of a new edition, still one of the best references available. Not just a review book, but also chock full of industry addresses and info as well as lots of other great stuff. Still available from the TopShelf website.

True Facts by Larry Young (AiT/Planet Lar) April 2002 [ISBN 0-9709360-9-5] $9.95 more contemporary take on self-publishing, by the writer who created a publishing empire from the seeds of his Astronauts In Trouble comic book series. An annotated collection of his Internet essays on self-publishing from the Savant website in a 120-page pocket-sized paperback. A little overpriced and not as comprehensive as it might be, but contains some useful insights into marketing and promotion, the Internet and suchlike.